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2025 Illini football preview
33 Plays17 days ago
I invite Cory Whitt from Orange and Blue Through and Thru to talk about the prospects of Illini football in 2025. The importance of keeping Luke Altmyer, Gabe Jacus, and the entire Secondary. We look at a couple of newcomers and talk about coaches and schedule.
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Transcript
Show Introduction
00:00:00
Speaker
This is Gateway Sports. Hey there, folks. Welcome to Talking Sports with Uncle Don. ah look at the day's sports issues and news stories from the Gateway City and across the Midwest.
00:00:17
Speaker
Let's talk some sports.
Notable Sports Moments
00:00:19
Speaker
The rumors are true.
00:00:25
Speaker
You've got to get it done.
00:00:34
Speaker
with the widespread stance, arms out over the plate. Beckberg from the stretch. The 1-1-2. A swing, and there it goes! Jeff Fields, way back!
00:00:47
Speaker
That's all-around number
Illinois Football Highlights
00:00:51
Speaker
7-1. Kuhl's hits a three-run homer, and he hits 699 and 700 at Stoucher Stadium on September 23, 2022.
00:01:06
Speaker
Packers crowd behind the scrimmage, Romo on the shotgun, here's the snap, Romo looking, dumps it off right side, intercepted! Intercepted at the goal line by Woodson! And there is your dagger!
00:01:23
Speaker
Badgers have no timeouts, they can't stop it. McCourt for the win, in the air, it is up, and it is good!
00:01:35
Speaker
Good! Upset! Upset in Champaign!
00:01:49
Speaker
The Illini win it 24-23! I want my ball! I want my ball! You tell my ball that! I'm coming after him! You tell him!
00:02:02
Speaker
good out there you
00:02:10
Speaker
Playoffs? Don't talk about playoffs. You kidding Playoffs?
00:02:26
Speaker
Hey, Dad? You want to have a catch?
00:02:38
Speaker
I'd like that.
College Football Focus with Corey Witt
00:02:44
Speaker
Hi, welcome to Talking Sports with Uncle Don. All right, we are, i am going to be working on some ah football stuff since we have the college football season right around the corner and with me tonight that's going to help me talk about one of my favorite teams the University of Illinois Fighting Illini is Corey Witt the host of and he's also a friend the show he's been on before Corey Witt who is the host of the Orange and Blue Through and Through with Dave Wischnowski and Corey thank you for joining me tonight
00:03:21
Speaker
for having me, Don. I appreciate it. Oh, it's not a problem. Like I said, you're a friend of the show, and I'm glad to have you on. oh no by the chair I appreciate that. So, well, I mean, we got the like said we got the the first games Friday, 630 against Western Illinois.
00:03:38
Speaker
a lot has been made of this season. a lot of pundits are picking Illinois. Right now, we're in the preseason rankings. We're listed as 12th in the nation.
00:03:50
Speaker
um And I think there's, what, six or eight teams in the Big Ten that are in the top 25. We have kept, as the the latest figures I've got, we were able to retain the most starters of any team in the Big Ten, 16 overall.
00:04:08
Speaker
Is this the year Illinois makes the push for to be part of the big boys? Well, sure hope so. I mean, it's a lifelong, you know, cover the team, but I'm also a lifelong fan. and but you know, you you mentioned that, you know, that did like said you said earlier, we had
Illinois Football Team Analysis
00:04:26
Speaker
16. Actually, from the bowl game and where Illinois beat South Carolina, there's 18 starters. So, because, you know, Pat Bryant didn't play in that game. Right, right.
00:04:38
Speaker
So anyway, off the ball team last year, there's 18 starters. But here's what you hear's here's the problem. and I shouldn't say problem. This has kind of been the track record with Illinois football.
00:04:50
Speaker
Illinois seems to, when it comes to football, it just seems like the trend has been in the past, when there are high expectations, Illinois fall short of it.
00:05:02
Speaker
And they seem to have their better seasons You know, and the ones that sneak up on you when you're not expecting. You know, Illinois would be pretty good last year, but I never saw 10. If you'd have told me before the season started they were going to win 10 games, I would have disagreed with that.
00:05:18
Speaker
So, and, you know, lot of things had to go Illinois' way to get to those 10 wins, but that's part of, you know, I mean, sometimes you make your own breaks, but what worries me a little bit is that, and then a group of kids, that you know, they they haven't been used to being patted on the back the whole offseason and telling them, you know,
00:05:34
Speaker
how great they are and everything so that kind of i think might uh overwrite that a little bit is the fact that illinois finally has a coach that's been there done that he's had these expectations he's won big 10 championships and i just think he's he's the perfect guy to have to curb that a little for for uh this season and i don't know if will illinois win 10 games again i sure hope so but i mean it sure as heck won't be easy Well, I mean, I think couple things that are going in their favor in that in that regard is, number one, you're looking at an offense that, yes, you're minus the two biggest ah receiving contributors.
00:06:14
Speaker
<unk>t I don't think we've had a duo like that for a long time, really. ah But you retain your entire offensive line. You retain your quarterback, who is now going to be your third-year quarterback under the same – OC under the same coordinator.
00:06:34
Speaker
You've got two of probably, I think, and I could be wrong, but I think they got to be two of the top running backs in the big 10 on your team. And Khalil Valentine. And you got Khalil Valentine. Who's got it. Who's got some experience. Now he's got some seasoning.
00:06:53
Speaker
You've got a defensive. Yes. You replaced the entire defensive line. I get that. but you still got probably two of the best linebackers and your entire secondary.
00:07:04
Speaker
Yes. Your entire, not just your entire, your entire five man secondary. ah hey Absolutely. For a coach like Bielema, this is what he has wanted.
00:07:22
Speaker
Oh, yeah. i mean, like you said, returning all five offensive line starters. And the thing that's maybe a little bit better on the positive side this year with the offensive line, too, is there's a little more depth.
00:07:34
Speaker
I mean, with Bielema here at Illinois, didn't have too bad a starting line. But I don't think it's good as what would they have now. But they also didn't have much depth. If somebody went down, they were in big, big trouble.
00:07:47
Speaker
And I think that's a positive, too, is he has really built depth on both sides of the of the ball. I was on a podcast earlier in the earlier in a month over at the Champaign Room, and we were talking about it And i was talking mostly about defense. But, yeah, you look at the offensive depth.
00:08:06
Speaker
And, you know we're going three deep at every position on that offensive line. i mean I mean, and and it's it's really interesting. what The one guy I think I'm going to be most interested in and how he ah shows up this year is Cole Rusk.
00:08:28
Speaker
a Because he didn't get his chance last year. You know, and you look at the tight end, we are five deep on tight ends. And Cole Rusk is listed as number two on the depth judge.
00:08:42
Speaker
And that's just, that's just our convenience. The starter from last year. Yeah, correct. Now, what's nice about Cole Rusk is he brings a different element that we haven't had at tight end.
00:08:55
Speaker
And what I mean by that is I mean a legitimate downfield threat of another receiver on the field. you know in the seams that you know parkin can you know he's good for the maybe the three uh three yards out in the cloud of dust type of thing and he's a great blocker and that might be where he has it on risk i'm not sure i'm not sold on how great a risk is going to be but he's going to be a heck of a i'm excited as heck to see how good this kid can be because if i really think that element of having a legitimate tight end threat for his receiving
00:09:28
Speaker
going to make this offense dynamic. I really do. Well, I think the last time we had a tight end that was a major threat was probably you got to go back to Mike White era back in the 80s.
00:09:41
Speaker
Yeah. And I don't even remember who it was. bernie What's that? Our current AD was pretty good. yeah yeah john Yeah, Josh wasn't bad, but like you said, he he even he wasn't the the the the real downfield threat that that Rusk seems to have the ability to do.
00:10:00
Speaker
I'm kind of very interested to see that. I'm also really interested to see, you know, Lowry had 1,000 yards last year after he took over Fade. You know what he would have done if he'd have been the starting running back from the start. Who the heck knows?
00:10:13
Speaker
Yeah. yeah Uh, but with him coming back and Fagan being there
Coach Bielema's Influence
00:10:20
Speaker
and then you've got Valentine sitting there ready to go whenever you went, I mean, are they going to have enough carries for everybody in that backfield?
00:10:29
Speaker
Khalil Valentine understands what's going on. I mean, he just brings a totally different dynamic. he I think, honestly, change the direction, he's the best back of the three. I'm not saying he's the best running back of the three.
00:10:42
Speaker
Put a foot in the ground and just really change direction like the other two. You know, Fiskin is a great back. He's got good hands out of the backfield. So does Lafrey. But you just don't have that change of direction. Now, Lafrey has that dead...
00:10:56
Speaker
I mean, flat speed. I mean, he can fly. And Fagan's going to run over you, in and and yeah but he's more of a straight-ahead guy. But I love Khalil Valentine, and I think the future is, you know as long as knock on wood, because that's been the problem with the two running backs, and with Laupree and Fagan, is yeah they've been hurtful.
00:11:16
Speaker
Exactly. If that's something that I'm worried about with those two, they've been injury prone. And then, you know, Khalil's not a big guy. He kind of needs to he needs to be a guy that shares carries. But I think in that world, he can be very, very effective.
00:11:34
Speaker
In the receiving core, this is going to be Elsie's chance to show what he's got. Does he make the grade? Well, remains to be seen, Don. I mean, I think that's the million-dollar question. I mean, he I'll be honest with you. There's nobody wants him to succeed more than I do, but I haven't seen much yet. I mean, now, granted, he was behind two really outstanding receivers.
00:11:58
Speaker
When he did get his chance, he just didn't – He didn't shine like a a former force, not to you a four-star guy coming out of high school, out of Simeon that right Cincinnati grabbed. and he think the I think he has all the talent and all the ability. of But you know what they say about potential, that just means he ain't done anything yet. If I saw you talk about his potential, it just means they haven't done much yet. So what I think the guy has a lot of ability. I think he can do it. He's got all the natural tools to be a grish. He's got
00:12:29
Speaker
size I mean, he's brilliant guy. and he's got anything flying and i just I don't know. We'll see on the hands and everything and how good of a route runner he is. because He has to be.
00:12:40
Speaker
He's absolutely going to have to have a good year and being in a wide out for Illinois this year for that ah offense to flourish. i i I really believe he's a really key guy.
00:12:51
Speaker
Yeah, and and I think that too. I mean, like you said, you've seen flashes of what he can do. sure But and maybe a lot of that is, like you said, due to the fact he's sitting behind Pat Bryant and and Jakari Franklin for the last two years last year or so.
00:13:08
Speaker
But. you know Then you look at a guy like, now granted they play a different position, so to speak, in that ride in in the wide receiving core, but you look at a guy like Colin Dixon or Hank Beatty and what they've been able to accomplish.
00:13:22
Speaker
of you know Kind of in almost in the same situation. I mean, they're always playing second fiddle to the big two. um But, you know, they were able to put together good numbers. And it's it so I mean, i think LZ probably has more talent than the two of them as far as a pure receiver goes.
00:13:42
Speaker
But I'm like you, he hasn't shown that on a consistent enough basis. So it's going to be really interesting to see how LZ plays. And getting back to count Colin and, and, uh, Hank, they've got them right now listed at the same position. Do you see a lot of any sets where, or many sets where they're probably going to be playing together on the field?
00:14:04
Speaker
I do. Colin Dixon is very versatile. He doesn't have to play in the slot. Bainey's more of a slot guy. Didn't quite have the speed, uh, of a, of a wide out, but, uh, or as Illinois, it calls it an X receiver. Right. But, uh,
00:14:19
Speaker
Yes, I think there's a lot of opportunity to put him in the slot, put him out wide, and also put Hank Beatty at the slot. i I love Colin Dixon. He brings a lot. i love that kid. Hank Beatty, though, I can't.
00:14:35
Speaker
I just can't say enough about this kid. He makes every catch. that He's not afraid to go in traffic. Just makes has some of the best hands. It was a great, great decision for whoever made the decision to actually have him return in punts.
00:14:51
Speaker
He's just phenomenal back there. He's very smart. Great route runner when he's playing the slot. And, yes, so that him and Colin, I think, can be on the field a lot together. i Like I said, I think Colin can play that X.
00:15:04
Speaker
New guy in that in that bunch is going to be Hudson Clement. Yes. ah The kid was Virginia or Virginia? West Virginia. West Virginia, yeah. He was the leading receiver last year. Yeah, I mean, you're bringing this guy in.
00:15:20
Speaker
Does that take pressure off of Dixon and Elsie? Sure, sure. Big-time proven kid from a big-time conference. I mean, he's gonna he he had an ankle injury that slowed him in the spring, but Bielema said that he's fully healed now, and he's looked really good in the fall camp.
00:15:38
Speaker
there the i I would be really surprised if he's not the other starting ex-receiver opposite, LZ. i This kid, i mean, the bowl game last year for West Virginia, he just he was phenomenal.
00:15:53
Speaker
I mean, just absolutely, hunter I think ah close to 200 yards receiving and two or three touchdowns. and So he he reminds you, um'll tell you who Hudson Clement reminds me is a couple years ago, gosh dang, and now the name's escaping me. we' Receiver Illinois had, gosh dang it, I guarantee you there's a lot of people that would know the answer to this. Isaiah Williams?
00:16:20
Speaker
kid that uh ran this was a really good receiver but he was oh yeah um um yeah um yeah how that name escapes you now when you when you want to try and find it uh oh wow yeah i i know i know who you're talking about now but Mike Dudek. Mike Dudek. That's right. God, thank you. Because was going to have to look that up after the show and see again.
00:16:46
Speaker
I'm kind of interested to see how – don't know much about this Clement kid other than his stats, you know, but I think – I'm going to be like you. I think bringing somebody of that stature in is automatically going to draw attention, which should lessen the attention on Malik and Dixon and because they've got Hudson right now at the Z spot, at the Z receiver spot. Yeah.
00:17:09
Speaker
Which, you know, I mean, that you know that like again that's not your big downfield guy. That's your guy that's your your cut, your in-and-out type dude. and And I think given his stats, he probably sounds good for that.
00:17:21
Speaker
One other position on the office we haven't talked about yet, really. And i just i I can't say enough to me. I can't say enough how important it was that Bielema was able to keep this guy on the roster.
00:17:38
Speaker
and not let him go anywhere, and that's Luke Altmyer. this This kid, I liked him when he first showed up. I looked at him like, this kid's going to be something. You you just mark my words.
00:17:50
Speaker
The kid's got it. he's come from the scc He comes from comes from where football is king. And if anybody was going to be dedicated to this team, I thought it was going to be Altmyer.
00:18:05
Speaker
And so far, the kid has done nothing to prove me wrong. Absolutely not. He's just been phenomenal. i The guy always makes the right throw. I mean, he makes the right read. come and collected in the pocket. he makes he It's rare that you see him make bad.
00:18:24
Speaker
He might throw an interception, but it's not from trying to force it. Sometimes the ball gets tipped. Somebody deflects something. But this guy truly time in and play and play out just makes the right read and right play. He's a sharp quarterback. He's got unbelievable poise.
00:18:41
Speaker
And he's got, I'll tell you what he has too, is he has sneaky athleticism. He can run a little bit. If you get him outside the pocket, he's a really good runner. Now, you don't want him doing that.
00:18:52
Speaker
it it it more near but but He's sneaky athletic too. And, uh, and a tough kid. So yes. And just, and he was finally named one of the captains this year, of the team. And not that that's that huge of a deal, but I think it was to him and his family. And, uh,
00:19:08
Speaker
I think he's got the full trust of everybody that he is one love guy on that team. And he's just what a leader. And, and, and, and he's a guy that, you know, as I, like I said, I kind of covered the team, but I also am a big fan and I love having that guy as my quarterback. I, there's maybe a handful, but there isn't many I would trade for Luke. ah I completely agree. I mean, ah he to me,
00:19:32
Speaker
After what he did last year, and you look at his had his first season and last year's season, and it was a complete transformation of this young, inexperienced quarterback into this, like you said, poised, not rattled, able to move, able to make decisions, and you know not making the stupid mistakes.
00:19:54
Speaker
right and He could have wrote, and i from what I understand, and I've heard this from a couple people, there were a lot of teams in the SEC wanted him back.
00:20:06
Speaker
They wanted him back in the SEC because he fit their program. ah And for Bielema to be able, he could even probably have have maybe gotten a non-roster shot on in the pro ranks, really, even last year.
00:20:21
Speaker
But for Bielema to keep him on this team, I mean, that is dead that speaks volumes to what kind of a coach and how much the players respect that man.
00:20:33
Speaker
Absolutely. Absolutely. like Bielema has done nothing but gain the utmost respect from that old squad. I mean, family thing they do, that is, that's legit. I mean, every, and it every recruit that comes through that's not even a part of Illinois football yet, they said, it just can't believe how, how true that is about what a family atmosphere it is and,
00:20:56
Speaker
and how the everybody how they coaches just care so much about you and and take care of you. So, yeah, I would think any any kid – you know, I feel strongly when Illinois actually gets a guy on campus, especially now with that Smith Center.
00:21:10
Speaker
think Illinois has a great shot to get a lot of kids when they get them on campus. So – Utmost respect respect for Bielema and just love the job he's done here. and and and And he's really starting to recruit.
Season Strategy and Predictions
00:21:24
Speaker
I mean, the recruiting starting to fall in place now because those wins on the field, you know, you can recruit, you can make all the promises you want to recruit. things say it Until you start winning and proving it on the field,
00:21:38
Speaker
which they've started to do a little bit here. Let's hope that continues. But it's tough. I mean, he was – what he had to had was to promise was playing time for recruits when he first started because there wasn't a lot of proof on the field that anything was too positive when he took over after the whole Lovey thing, the job he's done overall. And i it just looks like that arrow is going to point up and going to continue to be pointing up.
00:22:06
Speaker
Now, we speak of coaches, and one other coach off that I want want to look at, at least offensively right now, and that's Barry Lunney Jr. Sure. I mean, Illinois has had their issues under the Bielma era with offensive coordinators.
00:22:20
Speaker
When he brought Barry Lunney Jr., I know a lot of people still have their issues with the guy. yeah But I don't think there's any better fit for Bielema and for this team as an OC than Barry Lunney Jr. No, I agree with you. He's done a great job. ah Now, I will say this.
00:22:44
Speaker
I was one of those that a couple years ago, you know, and maybe they didn't have the the horses or to do it or whatever. I was one of those that I thought he was a little bit on the conservative side.
00:22:57
Speaker
But he seemed to, last year, He seemed to open it up. You know, I thought with DeVito a couple of years ago, I thought they had a great season, but I thought they had a lot of opportunities to make some big plays down the field. And they just were really, really conservative. And I and honestly thought it cost them a couple of games, especially the Michigan game that year.
00:23:19
Speaker
I think last year he saw he he had a Zachari Franklin. He had a pretty good offensive line. He had a Patrick Bryant on the other side. and you he And he opened it up a little more. they just think he's smart in knowing his – you know, that's the key to me is knowing your personnel. I mean, that's the best thing.
00:23:36
Speaker
That's the main thing you got to – do as a coach you got to know your personnel and he understands that and I think he sees that he's got the weapons to do that this year now I think we're going to run the football a little more this year ah but yeah I think Barry Lunny's an outstanding offensive coordinator and he's come he's come a long way even sent you know from the time he started at Illinois to this point think he's gotten better and better each year I totally agree. And, you know, I think he's, you know the other thing coaching staff, a lot of the coaches are still there from the last three years, especially offensively.
00:24:15
Speaker
I know there's been a couple of changes here and there, but I think every time Bela makes a change on a coach, it's always an upgrade. I think there's always that sense of upgrade when you see this new coach come in or this coach take over a different. but And we'll get to another one of those and here on the next segment.
00:24:36
Speaker
But i think that I think that outside of keeping players around, I think the other thing is him being able to to surround himself. with the type of coaches that are going to help further, not just further his the program, but further his message, further the camaraderie, further the family feeling.
00:24:56
Speaker
I think that is one of his biggest strengths outside of just being a damn good coach. Oh, yeah, absolutely. eight You know, other coaches want to coach for good for good people, for good coaches, you know, for successful coaches, right? I mean, they he's had a lot of success in college. And and so, like you said, if a coach does leave, and usually, Brian Walters, he left. He probably shouldn't have. The timing wasn't great.
00:25:21
Speaker
But he left to be a head coach in the Big Ten. Right. I mean, so his coaches that do leave typically – uh or you know it's it's it's things like that and it's very good opportunities they're not just leaving and so uh you're right after that happens and after illinois and the what he's done with illinois uh and a wisconsin and and and arkansas listen this guy is a proven winner he won three straight big tens at wisconsin he wasn't at michigan he wasn't at ohio state three straight big tens at wisconsin
00:25:55
Speaker
Other coaches want to follow that. They want to learn. that He's a wealth of knowledge. I mean, it's something I've heard over and over from all these assistant coaches that he's had at Illinois. They can't believe how much they, you know, as long as they've been coaching at that level, they can't believe how much they learned from him and how how detailed he is and everything. It's just unbelievable. So, yeah, I i just think and Brett Bielema is the perfect guy to have at Illinois. He's
Liquid IV Promotion
00:26:23
Speaker
long-term. He's an Illinois guy. I mean, everybody knows that. He was born in Illinois, wanted to play for Illinois.
00:26:29
Speaker
He didn't work out. So anyway, I just think he's the perfect fit. He's a Big Ten. He's a Midwest guy. um and he's just a perfect fit. And I'm i'm i'm very thankful that he's the coach here at Illinois.
00:26:41
Speaker
Well, I think I've told you this before, but um when Illinois made the decision to fire Lovie Smith, the guy over at Gateway Sports, he says, hey, so can you do an article about the coaching change at Illinois?
00:26:54
Speaker
Yeah, sure, I can do one. No problem. So I threw together an article and I started looking at coaches around and and i can i can send you the the the article. ah My number one pick to take over for Lovie Smith was Brett Bielema.
00:27:12
Speaker
and I'm not saying they did it because of me, but hey, I had it out there. We're going to get to the defense here in a minute, but first I want to, it's summertime once again, and with summer weather comes more outdoor activities. Also, summer weather comes with the heat.
00:27:27
Speaker
And the human body made up of 60% to 7% water loses some of that water in this heat. So it's essential to say essential to stay hydrated. But sometimes drinking water alone is just not enough because you just don't lose water.
00:27:41
Speaker
You lose essential electrolytes like glucose, sodium. And recent studies have shown that Americans only drink 50% of the recommended water that they that they should be drinking. ah dehydration is a problem.
00:27:53
Speaker
And it can it starts by getting, do you feel thirsty? Do you feel tired? And that's only losing 8% of your body's water. And if your body water reaches a 15% loss, that can put you in the hospital.
00:28:07
Speaker
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00:28:21
Speaker
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00:28:36
Speaker
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00:28:49
Speaker
I mean, hell, vegans can even drink this stuff, okay? Codavia has several different formulas also. There's an electrolyte formula, just like any other sports drink. Then you have a sugar-free version of that.
00:29:01
Speaker
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00:29:14
Speaker
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00:29:29
Speaker
Doesn't have any alcohol, though. I'm partial to Golden Cherry and Aizu Pineapple. ah The kids' problemas have stuff that they like. Crisp apple, cotton candy, banana. Conveniently packaged that individual sticks or pouches, Liquid IB can be used anywhere, including the gym, the beach, the office, school, or on an airplane.
00:29:48
Speaker
Interesting fact, airplane humidity is 5 to 12% lower than that of the Sahara Desert, which can cause dehydration. That turns into jet lag on long flights. And coffee and tea don't do anything for that.
00:30:00
Speaker
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00:30:18
Speaker
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00:30:32
Speaker
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00:30:51
Speaker
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00:31:04
Speaker
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00:31:22
Speaker
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Illinois Defensive Strategy
00:31:31
Speaker
Okay. Now that one's over.
00:31:35
Speaker
Okay. Well, I mean, I got, Hey, they, they sponsored the show. I got to get them on once in a while. All right. So now we go to deep defense. Okay. Uh, how much of a worry is it? And i'm going to start with this question. How much of a worry is it that we have to replace the entire defensive line?
00:31:54
Speaker
well I mean, it is a worry, but I think that, I think again, i think Bielema's done a heck of a job of replacing those. I mean, two guys that came from Wisconsin and yeah James Thompson Jr. and Kurt Neal that were, Noah Thompson was an absolute stud. He was a little last year, but those guys are, are, are incredibly good. You got a transfer from Florida to state. That's going to play a lot.
00:32:20
Speaker
So, yeah, I think Sears defense, it's going to be a little bit different, at the style. I i think they they're going to be a little quicker. think they're going to be able to get it. You're going have several guys.
00:32:33
Speaker
Even the linebackers, you know, they got guys like, you know, and and then Daniel Brown, the JC transfer who played in four games last year, that was and two years ago was the top-rated outside linebacker in JC. Ismael Conte, who last year was the number one JC linebacker.
00:32:51
Speaker
They're going to have a little more speed. and And I think they're going to be able to get after the quarterback a little better than they have in the past. um I think you're going to see a lot of blitz packages, things like that.
00:33:03
Speaker
um But, yeah, I think the replacements on the defensive line, sure, it might, serve for in continuity and everything, might take a couple games to get them going. But I think it's going to be actually a pretty good defensive line. And I think it's going to help out when you have these guys at these other positions that can really get after the quarterback. And I haven't even talked about Gabe Ackes yet. who's a preseason All-American.
00:33:26
Speaker
Right. that They're really high on his sophomore, Joey Barna. And this kid is just, he's a foreign strong kid. They just said he's been so impressive.
00:33:37
Speaker
He didn't, he played a little bit, played in about nine, 10 games last year. ah But ah actually had, I think you six or seven or eight tackles against Penn state as a freshman. So really high on him. So,
00:33:51
Speaker
it may take a couple two or three four games to get going with that defensive line but i think they're going to be pretty solid and i really think that they're uh they're going to be set up to put a lot of pressure on the quarterback this year well i and i i kind of agree i kind of like the i kind of like thompson i liked a lot of his numbers um you know and i actually saw him play a couple games here and there and you know he's he's got he's got the skills for it i think kurt neal's going to be a big presence and in at that nose tackle position.
00:34:21
Speaker
ah You mentioned the linebackers, and on this entire team, I think the deepest group is that linebacker room.
00:34:32
Speaker
I don't think they've got enough chairs in that room to begin with. i mean I mentioned on ah on the on the ah Champagne Room podcast, we were talking the linebackers. I said, you know, these guys this this position is as deep as the Mariana Trench.
00:34:46
Speaker
e and It does. it goes in the middle In the two middle linebackers, it goes five deep. Yeah. You've done a lot of good. Like you said, you you've got – and keep – here's another guy that I think as as much as Altmaier was on the offense, I think this guy on the defense was was a hell of a keep by Bielema, and that's Gabe Ackes. I just can't – I can't understand how he was able to hold on to this guy.
00:35:14
Speaker
Yeah. you know But glad he did because you know you look at that left outside line with a linebacker. with with gay i mean and as big as He's not really a linebacker as much as an edge rusher. That's exactly what he is.
00:35:30
Speaker
But then you got a guy like you said. You mentioned Malik Ihood. You mentioned Joe Barna. you know Here's a couple other names for you. James Crute, Alec Bryant. um you know all these guys were ready and then i and we haven't even mentioned another guy that i think was a big keep and that's dylan rosiak absolutely he hurt last year and didn't play the last couple games but yes he is a middle line he is the epitome he is the definition of a middle linebacker i mean this kid will he will come up and fill that gap and he will put a lick on you and uh he he and he's he
00:36:05
Speaker
He's quick too. Sideline to sideline. He's quick. this kid is This kid is the old he's a great middle linebacker and it's so good that he was able to get healthy and come back this year. and He's really the captain of that defense up front. and you know and and you got Again, you've got ah i said you've got a couple guys in there sitting in the background. like We've mentioned you know the the four guys that are behind the the starters. i mean Any one of those guys can fill in. I don't think we'd miss, well, maybe maybe Maybe Ackes.
00:36:35
Speaker
But I'm not sure we would miss much if we had to go with that second that second group. No, no. i think And another guy we haven't mentioned that's going to be a strong presence for Illinois defense this year is Oteluga. Can they know Oteluga? Oh, yeah.
00:36:50
Speaker
He's a specimen, man. This game is a specimen. And, but yeah, Illinois is going to have some serious athles athletes on the on the defensive side of the football. and And we haven't even started talking about the secondary yet.
00:37:04
Speaker
Well, funny you should mention that because that's what's up. Oh, and again, this group, i I look at this group and I'm reading and I'm looking at the names. And I'm looking at where this, I'm losing an RLADS website that it has the projected starting lineups.
00:37:22
Speaker
And it's looking, and it looks like this. This is what they have. Left cornerback, Torrey Cox Jr. Right cornerback, Caleb Patterson. Strong safety, Matt Bailey.
00:37:34
Speaker
Free safety, Scott Miles. Nickelback, or excuse me Miles Scott. Nickelback, Xavier Scott. I'm going to tell you what, if I am an opposing team coming in, And I'm looking at this group.
00:37:49
Speaker
I'm not throwing the ball deep. I don't care. If i gave my quarterback can throw 60 yards, I'm throwing the ball deep against this group. I mean, to get last year, I think eliminat they had like 10 interceptions and 27 passes broken up just in those five guys.
00:38:09
Speaker
a a You know, and that doesn't that doesn't that doesn't cover Kareem Sabor, Riesich, you know, Jaheim Clark. You know, these guys that filled in here and there last year.
00:38:22
Speaker
ah yeah that this is This is probably, and I'll have to say it, this is probably the strongest part of the Illinois defense and the one that I think is going to bring the the the biggest headaches to opposing teams.
00:38:38
Speaker
I agree with you. Just tons of experience back there and tons of really good football players.
Team Culture and Recruitment
00:38:44
Speaker
I love the secondary for Illinois. And if they can put pressure on the quarterback up front, just think how much better that even makes up the secondary.
00:38:54
Speaker
So, you know, when they don't have to cover for, you know, 10 seconds, you know what I'm saying? So, yeah, i this defense, I believe in Aaron Henry. I think he he had a learning curve.
00:39:07
Speaker
the first year. right But I think he did a great, I thought you did a really good job last year, honestly. And I think he's got a lot of excuse studs out there to work with this year and a lot just a lot of athletes up and down the board. So I really think between the pressure that we can put on the quarterback ah consistently and as good secondary as that is,
00:39:31
Speaker
This team has a chance to be you a really good defensive team. Let's just pray for health. Pray for health. Well, and and that's been the thing. now That's like you said before. That's with with the running backs. This is something that has been an issue in the past with the secondary.
00:39:46
Speaker
You know, Matt Bailey's had his issues over the last couple of years. um You know, so hopefully this secondary can stay whole. And, um you know, like you said, with with with what we've got up front and with Ackes and Rosiak and all these other guys that are, I mean, and we haven't even mentioned the newcomer to the linebacking core in Leon Lowry.
00:40:10
Speaker
I mean, not here margaret okay um you know, I mean, this is this is a group that I think is, it yeah as much as I really like the Illinois offense, I think this defense is even much more uh, important this year than, than in years past. I mean, we've always had decent defense, but I don't think we've ever ever had one this deep and this strong.
00:40:33
Speaker
Yeah, I think I agree with you. And again, credit to Brett Bielema and that coaching staff. I mean, what a job they've done. They are the, they're just relentless on that recruiting trail.
00:40:45
Speaker
I mean, I've never seen in Illinois. I've certainly never seen anything like it. So, uh, just fortunate to have this group of guys as a coach in and what an act what a environment they've created at Illinois. It's it's cool to come and play football at Illinois now.
00:41:03
Speaker
He's done the one thing that I think Josh Whitman hired him to do. Change the culture. Right. Because we haven't had a culture like this at Illinois.
00:41:17
Speaker
No. Since white and uh mackett you know that that that couple could i mean yeah we we so had a good couple good three years in there yeah ah but you know that sustain it and then you had the debacles of of beckman uh you know going into lovey smith i know a lot of guys lot of people really liked to lovey smith i was dead set against it from the get-go
00:41:51
Speaker
You know, but it's just, I think when Whitman was looking at coaches, and this is something we talked about too on another podcast, was when you look at what he's done, not just with football, but you look at what he's done basketball with Brad Underwood, women's basketball, Shauna green.
00:42:11
Speaker
I mean, he's bringing coaches in that are not just coaches. They are builders. They are guy. They are, they're people that know how to make a program thrive.
00:42:26
Speaker
And I think that's one of his, that's to me, that's one of Josh's biggest attributes. Yeah. those coaches that you just named signed non-competes. And what I mean by that is all three of them signed on their new contracts that they can't go to another Big Ten team.
00:42:42
Speaker
They can't leave them for another Big Ten team. So and they were all happy to do it. So that tells you a lot about the comfortability here young and the and the support they're getting from Josh Whitman. And and and that so they just love being here at Illinois. I think it's people that there aren't just blowing smoke when they say how much they love being here, because people that aren't happy or just blowing smoke don't sign contracts like I can guarantee you.
00:43:08
Speaker
Well, yeah, i mean and and the other thing is you're going have all three of those coaches for the next five years, minimum. And I'll tell you another coach that you you keep an eye out for and is ah Chris Tomas over the volleyball team.
00:43:22
Speaker
I think that's another guy that's going to freeze I'm going to talk a little bit about the schedule now in the last few minutes we got. ah The non-conference schedule, I mean, Western Illinois,
00:43:35
Speaker
I don't think is going to give us much of fight. Duke at Durham. awesome um That's a tough one. is it idea Could this be a trip-up game?
00:43:49
Speaker
it could be. i mean like That's the one you know in the past. That's the kind of game where a team, an Illinois team with expectations, loses that game.
00:44:00
Speaker
And then everything goes... I think that's game... And it's going to tell you a lot going forward. at hey If Illinois loses that game, I would almost be willing to bet the farm they would lose it Indiana too. And then all of a sudden now your first four games, you'd be two and two.
00:44:18
Speaker
Right. It would completely different look from what people are expecting. Now, also thank I think Illinois is talented enough to go 4-0. I don't know that they will. I think Indiana is going to be really tough, regardless if Illinois has got one loss or zero losses going into that game.
Season Schedule and Key Matches
00:44:37
Speaker
Duke game is huge to me. I think it's absolutely huge to make a statement on the road. i mean, think about this. With all the top 10 matchups in week one, okay, so people somebody has to lose those games, and they're going to drop.
00:44:53
Speaker
Illinois, just by beating Western, even though that's not going to be a huge chore, i would hope well, it better not be, and they're going to probably move into the top 10. Oh, yeah, easily. If you beat Duke, you know...
00:45:07
Speaker
you're you're moving up couple new spots, right because especially with it being on the road. So, I don't know. I think Illinois, I really think that Duke game is huge. I think it's going to tell a lot ah um about the direction of the season. I just think if they go in there and lay an egg at Durham, we'll get that here we go again thing going with the the fans. I don't know, hopefully not the players, but I just think I don't know. i think you're correct in saying that that one will be that will be a tough game. and
00:45:40
Speaker
And two, I think it's going to tell a lot about what going forward. Yeah. Well, you know, and not to try and put any kind of a bad mojo on here, but the last time we played an ACC team.
00:45:53
Speaker
on the East Coast ah was 2016 North Carolina, and we lost. So just, you know, laying it out there. Of course, in Western Michigan is next, and the last time we played Western Michigan, we lost to them at home. So it's not really good, these so Game Game history wise But i think I think they can win both of those. I think the non-conference schedule, and like said, Duke could be a trip-up game, and i'm I'm not trying to diminish Duke.
00:46:23
Speaker
I think it's going to be very tough, especially at Durham. um you know But I think they can go 3-0 in that non-conference schedule. And then, like you say, then we got at Indiana, um which – they could be 0-52 and still give us a tough game at home.
00:46:43
Speaker
There's just something about us coming over there they don't like. right Just what it is. A couple years ago, they don't like it. Not as bad as Purdue some days.
00:46:56
Speaker
Anyway, um but you know but yeah, I yeah i think Indiana's a tough one. But then after that, We've got a couple games where we can lick our wounds, I think, um with USC at home, Purdue on the road. Purdue, I mean, very i feel so sorry for Barry Odom taking that job.
00:47:16
Speaker
um You know, because ryan Ryan Walters didn't leave him much. I can guarantee that. Thanks. Steve, is that any new guys? It was a bunch.
00:47:27
Speaker
It was a bunch. I mean, purdue Purdue is transfer you right now yeah at this point because they only get one returning starter from last year. One. each that best yeah That doesn't bode well for you.
00:47:41
Speaker
ah Then you got a you got Ohio State. That's going to be in Champaign, and I think that's the huge part of that game ah because if it's at Columbus – I'm, I'm, I'm, i my, my confidence level goes down.
00:47:59
Speaker
I guarantee you that. I mean, no, we won in Columbus before, but it's been a long time. um But I think being at home, if we can get, you know, especially if we are, you know, in a perfect world, we'd be five and O when we face, when we face, and or six and O when we face. Yeah.
00:48:19
Speaker
and and You're looking at game day in town. ah But at least we'll should have at least four to five wins our belt when we face Ohio State. That defensive line should be solidified by that point.
00:48:32
Speaker
I think we can give them a good game. I don't know if we can beat them, but I think we will be able to hold our heads high, win or lose after that game. I think Illinois will play them very tough. I probably won't come out on top, but I i don't know. Boy, I would love to see it, but...
00:48:51
Speaker
real quick. Let's yeah let's step back a second. Sure. I have to disagree with you on one game. I do. I don't think USC is going to be a look your you know getting over your wounds game. i mean I think USC is going to be a very difficult team. you think so yeah They are just and loaded with talent. They listen they lost last year. their record i think they ended 7-5. They lost like three or four games by less than one score.
00:49:21
Speaker
Yeah, that's true. They return a lot of lot of players. They are so, so athletic. I don't think that will be an easy game at all. As a matter of fact, I almost have it as a 50-50 game.
00:49:35
Speaker
hi i I can kind of see where you're going, Bill. I'm looking at it from the standpoint that, you know, um Yes, they they they've gotnna they're go have a lot of i mean they did well last year, but they're go like you said, they're going to have a lot of different players in.
00:49:51
Speaker
i mean, they retained a bunch, but they some of the key positions they didn't retain. And you know playing in Champaign, I think that's an X factor. um although Although I have to look at it, and if I'm going back to history's sake, yeah, the last time we played USC in Champaign, we got our ass handed to us.
00:50:09
Speaker
But, you know, i and I need to stop looking at the history of books. That's my problem. ah but But I mean, and I shouldn't say lick your wounds, but I think it's a game they can recover with.
00:50:22
Speaker
If they're playing well enough, I think Illinois can recover if they would happen to lose at Indiana, which, you know, i i that's to me, that's that's the biggest 50-50 game on the schedule is Indiana.
00:50:33
Speaker
um You know, I think that's going to go either way no matter what happens. um and And like I said, if we can if we can get into that game yeah against USC with three wins, and it's homecoming weekend, I think we're going to be – feel better about that game than Ohio State. I'll put it that way.
00:50:53
Speaker
I agree with you there. I just don't think it's going to be – ah cap by any i think Illinois has a very good chance to beat USC at home. I think it will be – Illinois, will if they do win, they're going to walk off that field knowing they was in a ballgame.
00:51:10
Speaker
Yeah, and and i I probably shouldn't have said it the way I said it. But, yeah, I mean, way but when I mean lick your wounds, I mean it's – they've got two games that are winnable. Absolutely. That they should be able to come out with a victory if they play their game.
00:51:27
Speaker
um you know And like I said, anything can happen, though. ah But after Ohio State, I mean, I'm looking at the rest of the schedule, and I'm trying to find a loss.
00:51:38
Speaker
We've got at Washington, home versus Rutgers, home versus Maryland, at Wisconsin, and home versus Northwestern. Well, the one in there that I would say it would be the strongest chance for a loss would be at Washington.
00:51:51
Speaker
and That's kind of my feeling as well. They've won 20 straight home games. Oh, wow. That place is a nightmare for opposing teams.
00:52:03
Speaker
ah You know, they had the famous sail gate. ah They got the the lake there and or around the stadium where people don't tailgate, they sail gate. Oh, okay.
00:52:14
Speaker
It's really a neat, neat thing. As a matter of fact, I'm going to try to go to that game this year. i have a buddy from Seattle that's a huge Washington fan. He says, I need to come out and tailgate.
00:52:25
Speaker
Oh, hey. That's a neat experience. You don't have to ask me twice. so yeah Boy, I think that's another one that I think might be 50-50 at best. As a matter of fact, yeah ESPN Analytics gave Illinois only like a 38% chance to win the football.
00:52:41
Speaker
Okay. All right. Well, I mean, I don't, ah Washington's one of those i don't know much about, um you know, really have, you because they, what was it, two years ago when the they, want they were running up to Michigan, right? They were running up to Michigan.
00:52:57
Speaker
ah But nobody really hurt. mean, everybody was saying, oh, they didn't deserve to be in the game against Michigan. They shouldn't have. And so i and you just never know, you know, what teams are. ah But like I said, you know, you go back, you said the last four games, Rutgers, Maryland, Wisconsin, Northwestern. I mean, I'm looking at this team and we mentioned you talking about records earlier.
00:53:19
Speaker
i I don't know if they can go, if they if they've got 10 wins in this in this playbook or not. I think there's 10 possible wins. garrett you know I mean, with as we talk, Duke, Indiana, Ohio State, Washington would be your four games that I think, as you say, fifty fifty And you can throw scc USC in there if you want.
00:53:42
Speaker
But I think Illinois can duplicate last year with 10 wins. i think the real I think the real big stick-ups to me are going to be Ohio State and Indiana. I think those are those are the two games, if I had to point to two games, that we stand a better-than-average chance of losing, going to be those two.
00:54:01
Speaker
I agree with you. yeah you like Now, Illinois had 10 wins last year, but that included the bowl game. right at night They were 9-3 in the regular season. right So, are you thinking 10-2 in the regular season? I'm thinking 10-2 regular season.
00:54:16
Speaker
Okay. I'm thinking 10-2 regular season, 6-2 in the Big Ten. I hope you're... in the Big Ten.
00:54:27
Speaker
You are so right. I'm so happy. I'll tell you what. When the season's over, I will invite you back and you can tell me you can tell me either i was i was I was so right or that I was a total putz.
00:54:40
Speaker
In one way or the other, you can do either one, which whichever way it works out. this is my opinion. I think Illinois can go a lot of ways here. I see, I looked at the schedule and I see a a route to the 10 and two. I really do. but So look at at it and go, oh also see ah route to a thing. If the ball doesn't bounce right to maybe seven and five.
00:55:05
Speaker
Yeah. I mean, by that is that I'm talking about Ohio state, Indiana, Washington, USC, And Duke. Yeah.
00:55:17
Speaker
Well, I totally agree with you. I totally agree. I do believe they'll beat Duke, and I do believe they'll beat USC, but I think it's going to be a lot tougher than what what people think. Now, Duke has a very good transfer quarterback from Tulane came in this year. He's really, really good. He's a heck of an athlete. so um But I really think from what I...
00:55:42
Speaker
what I've studied about Duke, I think if Illinois can kind of contain him and not let him run wild, they probably have a pretty good chance of beating Duke.
00:55:53
Speaker
that's what i think that That's where think that linebacking core is going to come into a really big presence in that game is just like you say, containing those types of runners, those types of quarterbacks. That's right.
00:56:05
Speaker
That's right. I think Illinois, if I had... A gun held ahead, I think I would probably go somewhere with 9-3, 8-4 type thing. But I want to be – I want to go 10-2 like you, but I don't know. I guess I just – and it seems like every year, don that there's one game, too, that Illinois just has a complete brain card.
00:56:30
Speaker
And, again, they lose that you're not – they just don't look right. Something wrong. Like last year with Minnesota. That was awesome. from the get-go. They should have never lost that football game.
00:56:42
Speaker
So that worries me a little bit too. But again, ah think this team has a lot of ability. I think they're going to be so much fun to watch. Just hope their health stays intact. and But I guess gun held ahead, I'd have to say 9-3.
00:56:58
Speaker
nine and three okay I don't fit, and I mentioned this on our on my NCAA report with that I do, ah which is out now, if you want to go to Spotify and check check out the part one of our NCAA preview.
00:57:12
Speaker
um I mentioned on that that I look at the Big Ten race, and Ohio State's going to be there. You know they are. ah just There's just no two ways about that.
Ohio State's Challenges and Wrap-Up
00:57:24
Speaker
look like And I think Penn State's your other one. I think outside of those two, there's nobody going to challenge those guys, I don't think, for the championship. Unless, you know, again maybe or Oregon, maybe Illinois, if they can get 10 wins, you know um you know, seven wins in the Big Ten, maybe they maybe they take it take ah a chance at her, maybe they take a shot at them.
00:57:46
Speaker
is this the year finally, Don, that James Franklin finally beat somebody big? Because he's really – that's been the knock. I mean, he's yeah he's had a lot of wins, but he just doesn't seem to come up big in the big games. i think i think this is I think this could be because here's my problem with Ohio State.
00:58:05
Speaker
And I know people are going to say, but, but, but, but. They've got a brand-new group freshman quarterback. They only bring back eight players from last year.
00:58:15
Speaker
I just, I'm not sold on Ohio State. Yes, they're a good team. Yes, they're going to be in the Big Ten title race. Yes, they're going to be in the 12-team playoff. I get that. I guarantee that.
00:58:29
Speaker
yeah I just am not a believer that they are going to repeat what they did last year. Yeah. I mean, that's my thing. That's where I think James Franklin has his, ah his chance to make, finally make his mark in the big 10 that he's been wanting to do for so long.
00:58:46
Speaker
He's got the horses. Yeah. ah I mean, he's got, well, he he's got almost, he's like Illinois. He's got like 16, 14, 16 players coming back from last year, starters and whatnot.
00:58:58
Speaker
top eightclock Drew Aller is back. ah God, like we need to, thank God we don't, I'm so tired of seeing that kid. Thank God we don't play them this year. um But yeah, i think I think this is the year that it could happen for Penn State. Yeah.
00:59:13
Speaker
Part of me wants it to happen. Part of me thinks it's just a pipe dream because he's, for some reason, Penn State's always had that. They're rolling right along, rolling right and then all of a sudden, boom.
00:59:27
Speaker
Yes. They get beat by somebody they shouldn't have, and that puts the rest of their season in in jeopardy at that point. Okay, here's the next. We're ranked number 12, which right now puts us, I mean, preseason rankings are a joke. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it.
00:59:43
Speaker
Yeah, but we're ranked number 12. Should that hold? i mean, and should we play up to that kind of level? well Does Illinois make the playoffs? I don't think so. if you're Well, if you're in the top 12, it's a 12-team playoff. ah So I think in the final rankings, if we're anywhere in that top 12, we should be in there.
01:00:02
Speaker
But that would just so mean that we've probably won 10 football games. That's what i was getting at. Yeah, I mean, that would be... That would be the case because I don't think nine – well, I know nine wouldn't get Illinois in.
01:00:17
Speaker
They just wouldn't do it. But ah ten win I think 10 wins minimum would have get them in. but And I think they would have a shot, especially if they did beat – say they did beat Ohio State or whatever, maybe slipped up against somebody else.
01:00:34
Speaker
They would have – 10 and 2 would be I don't know that it would be a lock with Illinois at 10 and two, but I think they would probably, they would have a better chance than not of getting in with 10 wins. Yeah.
01:00:47
Speaker
Okay. All right. Well, sounds good. Well, hey, Corey, thank you for coming on. Tell us where you can find your show. Well, you can find it on Spotify. You can find it on Apple.
01:00:59
Speaker
and you can And then I post it myself. I have an orange and blue through through Facebook page that has a lot of followers that I post a show on every week.
01:01:10
Speaker
And you can find it on X. All right. Well, sounds good. And you can also find this show on X. You can find it on Spotify. I also have a Facebook page for it, Talking Sports on the Bleachers. You can find it there.
01:01:23
Speaker
Or actually, I've changed that. It's Talking Sports with Uncle Don on the Facebook page. trying to you fight Well, I mean, ah okay. I have to explain it to you, too. We did a while back on Gateway Sports. We did what they wanted to do, headshots for everybody. We wanted to do AI-generated headshots.
01:01:40
Speaker
ah So I did half a dozen, c sent them in. and And Derek King, the guy, that the one of the co-founders, he texts me. He goes, hey, he said, I really like this one. You look like Uncle Don.
01:01:54
Speaker
es And I'm like, you know, I've been kind of stale with this talking sports on the bleachers thing. Let's try something different. So that's how that came about. but just like But you can find me on Spotify. You can find me there. You find me on X, T-S-O-T-B-G-C-S, or look at some of the Illini pages, Cardinal pages. i'm oh You can always find me there.
01:02:13
Speaker
yeah Also, i want you do I want to invite you guys to tune into the Gateway Sports Network. ah You can find a lot of different podcasts. ah You can find the Two for Three with Moose Michaels. You can find the Team of Rivals, which is an interesting podcast. There's two Cub fans and one Cardinal fan.
01:02:29
Speaker
Uh, and they talk a lot of about baseball and, uh, Hollywood. they get into star Wars stuff. If you're into that, check them out. That's the team of rivals. It's Ron Nuttall, Pete, Pete Geddes and Elliot Dewey there. I've got it right.
01:02:42
Speaker
Uh, then you can also find, uh, the stupidest sports show on earth. Um, I've listened to that a couple times, and, you know, they're probably right on that. Oh, they just have a lot of – no, I don't mean they're stupid. They just have a lot of fun.
01:02:57
Speaker
They're just fun to listen to, a bunch of guys. You can also find that my other podcast, the NCAA Report with Don and Russ, and the ever-popular Derrick King Sports Show with the one and only Derrick King.
01:03:10
Speaker
So, for my guest, Corey – This is Don Glenn. I want to wish you guys a good evening. and Until we see you again, stay safe. Have fun.
01:03:21
Speaker
We'll talk to you next time. Talking Sports with Uncle Don. Good night, everybody.